Traveler

Very interesting – I need to do a bit more research. A quick internet search indicates that they offer stock purchases and credit cards as part of their services. I would like to know what private interests have ownership and in what %. Never-the-less, you are correct they are listed as privately owned. I do all my banking through credit unions because the laws governing them are different. I sort of think of this as the lessor of whatever evils. When I was in college, I was introduced to a credit union that was family owned out of Arizona. The family that owned it was formed when the LDS Church sold its cattle ranch United Order (near Snowflake). The family runs the enterprise like the united order. The have expanded the enterprise into construction retail, lumber retail, food retail, engineering, architectural, hardware and of course banking and financial (credit union). At the time I met with my father to start a similar structure in our family. My father has the idea that no one should ever accumulate wealth except from their own labor – especially family. His idea is to teach hard work and let individuals govern themselves and their finances. Thanks for the info. The Traveler

Please name that one. The Traveler

Where to begin? Compound interest is a seductive method to enslave and oppress the mases – making the rich much more rich and impoverish everyone else. It distributes wealth to those that deserve it (by the sweat of their brow) the least. As we read the words of Christ in the New Testament, we realize that Jesus often spoke of the sins of the wealth as being counter to the things of G-d. There is nothing in any economy that capitalized on the corruption of wealth more than compound interest. My brother once said that the way to determine if someone really understands compound interest is simple – whether they pay into it (becoming a slave) or get rich charging it. Some simple facts. Prior to the great depression 90% of the agriculture land, equipment and profits were privately held by individuals and families. By the end of the depression 90% of the agriculture land, equipment and profits were in the hands of corporations and banks. Following 9/11 the USA (and other economies) suffered a major recession. The result was that in the USA all privately owned banks closed their doors forever. During my lifetime I have watched as most purchases were by cash and check – neither of which were tied to compound interest –today it is nearly impossible to purchase almost anything without a credit card – all of which are tied directly to compound interest. Perhaps I am wrong and have missed something but anywhere there is compound interest somehow connected – the profits from compound interest do not go to any individuals that sold their goods and services but to banking and corporate interests that finance and charge the compound interest. Early in my marriage I sat down with my wife and showed her how purchasing a $300 item with compound interest and paying off the debt with the least required could result in paying over $10,000 for whatever was purchased. In some cases – paying the least required (student loans for example) can result in the continual growth of the principle – meaning that the debt is never paid. Islam recognizes compound interest as the most prominent indication of Satan’s influence and corruption. This single doctrine is the engine behind 9/11 and their excuse to eradicate the Jews (it is a popular notion that the Jews are behind compound interest and banking). Of course, this can easily be disputed but never-the-less it is the primary reason that it is easy for corrupt influences within Islam to recruit the less informed to their causes (as we are seeing through the coalitions within the LGTQ+ community (and others) to support antisemitism). It may sound like a farfetched conspiracy theory but I doubt very much that you or anyone can find any where on earth today where there is currently exploration and oppression taking place upon humanity that does not have some connection or reference to economic activity associated with compound interest (and this I believe is the true engine behind our open borders, political campaign corruption and intrusions into our elected officials as well and public bureaucrats.) As a student of LDS theology, it is my personal belief that the secret combinations and gadianton robber style of operations are the engines behind governmental corruption and just about everything else that is degrading the morals and values of our country – all of which is influenced by what ancient scripture calls filthy lucre – which is in essence the art of enslaving others through economic oppressive principles. I could go on and on – what I have posted is hardly even the tip of an iceberg. The Traveler

At the end of my post I asked about the most oppressive element of our western economy. I believe it is compound interest. The Traveler

When it comes to the truth of information the only things worse than an outright lie is to provide what you think you are looking for. The Traveler

Currently there is an advertisement on TV where a small morsel of pork is placed on a plate with a drop of some sauce topped with a single bean. This is how I feel about the standard works of scripture. Jesus said, in essence, that scripture will not provide much of anything with the singular exception that one can glean a witness of Christ. In mathematics there is an expression – necessary and sufficient. It should be obvious, yet I am most astonished when someone intends to present scripture as anything close to grasping the depths of just this life – let alone the eternities. One can argue that our standard scriptures are necessary (though I find such arguments lacking) but to imply sufficient? I do not want to sound or imply that I am ungrateful, but like the morsel of pork, sauce and bean - regardless of how good it is, to make any lasting value of it I will need more – a lot more of more. We are admonished in scripture to hunger and thirst after righteousness. There have been times in my life that I have eaten grubs and insects to sustain myself – I would have rejoiced to rummage through garbage and waist for something and been thankful. Jesus said that if we will drink of the water he will give – we will never thirst again. I am quite sure Jesus was not talking about the scriptures. But I strongly believe scriptures are some small part of traveling through this mortal labyrinth successfully. If I had access to one thing only from the restoration, history and nothing else I would choose the temple with its accompanying covenants and ordinances. The Traveler

Greetings @HaggisShuu: The Gospel of John in the New Testament documents a number of questions that are still used today against the teachings of Christ by religious professionals and their disciples. I think that it is important to note that Jesus did not have much success with the scripture experts of his day (Pharisees and Scribes). And yet we would not have a Bible today if not for the Pharisees and Scribes. The concept of scripture canon never existed anciently whenever the scripture text were created by divine revelation. I believe and argue with my Christian and Jewish friends and colleges that the canonization of scripture did not occur until after the paganization (mostly Hellenists) of ancient religious thinking. We LDS are polytheists. I believe the ancient covenant peoples were polytheists. In Genesis we are told that man was created in the image and likeness of G-d – at first glance this may seem monotheists but Genesis (1:27) also tells us that both the man and the woman are created in the image and likeness of G-d. If anyone interprets this to mean G-d is both man and woman, then that the scripture is wrong and neither man nor the woman is in the image and likeness of G-d. The only consistent interpretation is that there are male and female G-ds and this means that all that believe the Bible are polytheists. Some think that the Bible distinctly informs us that there is ONE G-d. The problem with this understanding is that the Hebrew term for one G-d is “ehad”. If G-d is a single being the term would be “yhead” but that term is never used in scripture to designate one G-d. “Ehad” is a plural word that designates unity. “Ehad” is also used to indicate that in marriage a man and a woman are one (ehad) – and this ties in preciously with all scripture. These things are not new. They have been known for thousands of years. Jesus explains it this way – There are those that have ears and hear not and have eyes and see not. We can teach these things but regardless some will never listen. There is a saying that – “A person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still.” Our job is not to convince anyone – our job is the teach correct principles and allow all to govern themselves. Conversion does not come from our teaching but by the spirit. If they are not willing to ask G-d what is true – with sincerity and real intent – they will not know the truth. I believe the purpose of discussing religious doctrine is to gain understanding and insight for yourself. I believe we will only learn something new if we discuss things with those of different opinions. If we only convers with those with whom we agree (have the same opinion) – nothing will ever be learned. It is also obvious that the more scripture is made available the more disagreements there are concerning meanings and interpretations. Historically, studying scripture has never resulted in a convergence of ideas. Even within a religious sect those that study scripture for themselves will have a divergence of understanding. I thought to add one other thought. If someone refuses to believe that there was a pre-existence for spirits before this mortal existence – it will be impossible for them to demonstrate that G-d is merciful or just – in that we are all born, live and die according to extremely different circumstances and opportunities. The Traveler

@Phoenix_person: I am glad you are posting here – especially to garner a point of view not often expressed here. There are however, two points of your post that I would address. Primarily because they are counter to my understanding and experiences. You may feal that this is a segway to a debate – perhaps that is so but my main reason for expressing my opinion to you is because your opinion is in stark contrast, and I am searching for what I may have missed – or if it is you that missed critical principles you are not taking into account. The first point concerns racism. I have experienced and observed two very separate and distinct kinds of racism – neither of which is systemic. Both kinds are completely dependent on human individuals – though I believe one is natural and the other must be learned (understand that I worked in as an engineer in the field of industrial automation, robotics and artificial intelligence.) I do not believe that racism can be systemic. The reason is that if racism is systemic then it is and must be recognized as systemic regardless of who or what is involved – even if procedure or thinking is pupariated by the most impoverished and oppressed minority in an effort to seek any level of justice. It appears to me that those that have attempted to defined systemic racism intend that it apply only to the oppressive class. This application of the term is contrary and wrong to the intended definition. Systemic by definition is universal and not localized or compartmentalized. It appears to me there is miscommunication when this term is used – but since I am not the one using it, I cannot be sure. I define the two types of racism as first ignorance. In essence humans tend to not trust and to fear that which is unknown. I believe this particular prejudice exist anytime where we have not had experience. When a person says – you cannot understand me because you are not --------. The blank can be filled with whatever one desires to distinguish themselves from others. This is an expression of racial or sexual prejudice. I could speak more about this subject and the science of intelligence and the ability of intelligence species to learn. Obviously, humans are an intelligent species and are capable of communicating and learning from each other which indicates to me that anyone assuming such is the more prejudice and raciest. The second type of racism is learned, and I define as evil because it is intended to in some way harm and discredit another. It is not self-defensive but offensive in intent. I believe that this evil kind of racism can even be utilized by someone accusing another of racism. It is all in the intent to harm and discredit of others as a class and ont as individuals. I also believe that the more it is employed the more hateful it becomes and if unchecked will foment violence and civil disruption and disintegration. The other point I would address is economics. In our post-modern era we saw the rise of the middle class and as we now are experiencing – a decline of a middle class. Every economist I have encountered that recognized the importance of the middle class has attributed the success of the middle class to capitalism and free enterprise. In all economies there are hierarchies. As I have studied socialism (Marxism) there is still a hierarchy, but it is not economic merit based. Such social thinkers recognize that there is still economic oppression in capitalism, and they are correct. I believe that the trouble with socialism and even social programs instituted in post-modern era governments it that they are unable to isolate the main activity of oppression. Thus, they end up applying their own versions of oppression. Both you and I recognize an oppressive element of capitalism. I am concerned that you and I may disagree on what that element is or that you may thing it is the whole of capitalism and not so much this particular element. I believe it can be removed from capitalism and that the poor and the middle class would greatly benefit. The very rich are almost exclusively the sector that would not. But I am concerned that you have no idea what I am talking about – thus you want to dismantle the whole of capitalism and replace it with a different hierarchical system that has historically brought about a worse economy – meaning that the poor and middle classes are worse off and only the hierarchy benefit. To determine if you have any idea what I am talking about – I would ask you ----- what do you believe is the single most oppressive element utilized in capitalism to bring about oppression of the poor and middle class? The Traveler

I am an amateur historian at best, but my understanding was that Roman citizens were never reprimanded for harassing non-citizens (My source is the historian Flavius Josephus). Even the Biblical account of Paul being arrested by the Jews worried the Jews when they found out that Paul was a Roman citizen and demanded he be sent to Rome even though the arrest was legal under Roman law – and yet, as a Roman citizen, Paul was able to frustrate their intent to put him to death. I do not need all the details of your source – just where you got your information. The Traveler

I am super impressed in your choice in scripture. I would never have thought of it myself on my own. May I say something about prayer. I believe there are formal prayers and there are in circumstances emergency prayers. Sometimes emergency prayers are one word (HELP) when something immediately is needed. Sometimes – Help me? Sometimes there are a few more words – Help me help them. I have thought to add something about pornography. In my work I often was traveling and away from home for extended periods of time. From time to time there was a great deal of stress involved in solving problems associated with what I needed to do. Under such conditions I needed to unwind for a bit to be able to get a good night’s sleep. I would crash in my hotel room and think to watch something of TV. Very often, too much to be a coincidence the TV would immediately produce pornography. I like to brag that I am spiritually strong and can resist anything but temptation. I mentioned this phenomenon to a close friend and associate (good LDS). His response was somewhat of a surprise. He believed that evil temptations are like an infectious disease. That an infected person could leave behind infections or pass them on to others they associate with. He suggested that when I check into a hotel while traveling that I utilize my priesthood to bless and disinfect my room. Since employing this procedure, I have never had the problem TV problem. I would suggest that at any indication that you are being infected that you plead for help. Do not try to solve difficult things on your own. Even if you only plea for help relying on the name of Jesus Christ – you will receive help when you need it and truly desire it. The Traveler

I am somewhat surprised that someone would use or reference the Black Panthers as the prime example in history of how those oppressed should behave and the best methods to bring an end to oppression. I have come to appreciate Jesus (often referred to as the Christ). Few understand his reference to the extra mile. In Israel under Roman domination at the time of Jesus there was a law that if a Roman citizen traveling in Israel and came upon a Jew that they could force that Jew to carry some or part of the Roman’s things for the distance of a mile. This would require that the Jew leave at the side of the road their belongings or whatever to accommodate the Roman. This was often used as a ploy to obtain whatever goods the Jew had or if nothing else – to harass the Jew. Jesus understood well that being oppressed was an affront to humanity but rather than lash out at oppressors and give them condition and excuse to oppress the more his method was to forgo the inevitable loss and perform more service than the oppressor required. This is also the concept concerning losing everything a person has to a lawsuit (with the exception of the clothing one is wearing) – but then giving also one’s coat (or shirt) from off their back. History is replete with oppression begetting oppression (war being the prime example). Assuming the profile of a victim and seeking revenge is the basis of all oppression that continues without end and generation of hatred. The specific reason that I referenced Jordan Peterson is because his prime suggestion to solving social problems is to begin with oneself. Prove that one can make the bed they sleep in every morning, Take care of their own space in an exemplary manner without oppressing anyone else before they go out into the world to end oppression without creating additional oppression in the process. I would be very interested in why you believe that the methods of Fred Hampton is the best you have encountered in all your efforts to deal with oppression in society. The Traveler

There is a big problem with the definition of infinite. As a mathematical construct – I do not think infinite can be applied directly to anything that is real. I also do not believe that random is a real construct. Everything in this universe, as we are capable of understanding it, is by all definitions finite. For example, we say the universe is isotropic – that could not possibly be true if the universe is infinite. This logic applies to an infinite atonement in the same manner – it would make the atonement indescribable (which is another word for meaningless). It is my opinion that when we talk about an infinite atonement is because we are incapable of understanding the boundaries of what the atonement is capable of. Therefore it is pointless to attempt to limit the atonement to anything we can understand or describe. The Traveler

I have heard it said that no one has the right to make their morals into laws that others must abide by. The problem with that kind of thinking is that morals are the only laws that humans can legislate. We certainly cannot legislate the value of the square root of 2, the value of pie, the universal gravitational constant, the laws of physics or anything logical or part of the laws of our universe. The question is not if humans can make morals laws but rather what morals humans ought to make into laws. Politically it seems that whoever has the power is responsible for determining what morals should become law. In essence, that part of society with the most power is morally obligated to force those that disagree to live by their morals. What we end up with is a struggle for power to enforce our own morals. The corollary to all this is that if something is not against the law it is morally okay to do it. We just do not seem to learn morals, laws or even how to get along without forcing others to be accountable. The Traveler

I do not think I have heard anyone more qualified to speak about these things than Jordon Peterson. He is more informed and experienced than anyone else I have encountered. His point is that historically the vast majority of humanity’s individuals (male and female) have been oppressed and mistreated. Generally, I am not impressed with anyone that thinks it is necessary to change others in order to solve their problems and unhappiness. From my military experiences and training to deal with captured enemy combatants – anyone can be controlled (interrogated successfully for information or even brain washed) once you can convince them someone else is to blame for their predicament. The opposite of taking personal responsibility is gaslighting someone (or something) else for your behavior. I am convinced that it is an excuse and the first step to becoming oppressive towards others (giving Satan control of your life) - is taken by following the path that someone or something else is to blame for whatever it is that is making you miserable, unhappy, unsuccessful or in any way inhuman. I find it most interesting that the prime directive in the pre-existence, according to LDS theology is agency. That intelligence is the ability to act for oneself rather than to be acted upon. The Traveler

Greetings and welcome to this forum @HaggisShuu : I am of pioneer heritage and goodly parents and in the waning years of fatherhood, grand fatherhood and great grand fatherhood and on this Sabbath – Well wishes to all for Father’s Day. We all have sinned and are in need of repentance. From my experience and what I was taught I would offer as advice - that advice I received in my youth on how a Latter-day Saint can deal with the temptations of the evil one. This was brought to bear while at the age of 17 (Vietnam era) I joined the army reserves. Defenses against a superior enemy need to be carefully prepared and planned. In scripture it is likened to taking upon you the whole armer of G-d. Number 1. I was taught to select a favorite hymn to memorize and sing to myself during dark and difficult times. The hymn I selected was of importance to my grandfather on his mission to New Zealand over 100 years ago. It is the hymn, “Oh My Father”. To this day, I still rely on this hymn to draw near and call upon the spirit when things are in need – it has become so sacred I often cannot sing it without being overcome. I suggest you select a hymn of most importance to you. Number 2. Have a favorite scripture to quote to yourself in your mind. I have used many scriptures – my first was 1Corinthians 13. Lately I have been using Doctrine and Covenants 132:5. I like having available a short scripture that can help me quickly focus. I have used numbers 1 & 2 in circumstances when I am ambushed or surprised by the advisory and I need something to help we quickly focus and react before I become pinned down, hopeless and overcome by the advisory’s assault. Especially when I have made a mistake and wronged someone – this can help get back on track – bringing back the spirit to guide you to what to do next. Number 3. Is for longer term planning, preparations and training. It is a two-part prayer. One in the morning and one in the evening. The morning (or beginning of action) prayer you discuss with Father in Heaven your thoughts, plans and intentions for the day. I suggest that you be honest and open with your desires and intensions. For example, tell your Father in Heaven you plan to avoid temptations of pornography and if something is not avoided – your plan to escape the temptation. Ask if your plan is good or if other things need consideration. Explain your expected outcome and ask for his assistance. (Point – this need not apply to only temptations but anything you desire to accomplish – I have utilized this method for problem at my professional workplace.) The second part, the evening or task faced – report in prayer. In your prayer, again. be honest and report directly and fully your successes and failures. Explain in detail what happened. Be thankful for your successes and acknowledge your failures. Ask G-d for help where you need help and for recognition for your efforts. Ask what you can do to improve and for G-d assistance to see beyond to things that you have missed. These are things that have helped me many times. It may be needful for you to personalize these things to your circumstances. I have witnessed success every time I have employed these things – I have also seen success as others have employed these things. I believe that with G-d and through the spirit – all things are possible. The Traveler

Exactly and those that exercise unrighteousness dominion should be immediately removed from office rather than letting them complete their term. The Traveler

The only reason to have term limits is because one believes that elected officials cannot be trusted. If elected officials cannot be trusted, we do not have a republic. Rather than term limits I would rather have the ability to recall (impeach) any elected official by electorate petition and recall vote. Recalled officials lose all benefits – not just for their office in which they are recalled but for all accrued government benefits (with the one exception of veteran benefits). Also, regardless of how many local and federal offices and associated benefits – no government official should ever have benefits that exceed veteran benefits. I also believe that there should be a limit on voter registration. In a mobile society such as ours – voter re-registering should be required any time one changes their living location (including homeless). Re-registering requires the cancellation of all existing registrations. Voter registration is permanently cancelled at death. Government Id is required for voter registration along with one previous living location and a signed document that one is not currently registered to vote. Violations of voting registering laws ought to be a felony and the permanent loss of voting privileges. Time based voting re-registering should be easy and could be piggybacked with driver license (or official government Id) used for voter renewal I also believe that any attempt to take (murder) any elected (or appointed officials in their line of duty – like judges, ambassadors, police, FBI or other such officials) should be a capital crime that, at a minimum requires, the death penalty (whether the attempt is foreign or domestic). The Traveler

I am at a strange stage of life. I am likely closer to requiring assisted living that I am to when I had to register for SS (though the SS stuff seems like yesterday). I have a collection of old books (obviously out of print) – no idea how valuable they are. I have a set of student reference books (similar to an encyclopedia, published in the late 1800’s) that I have kept just because it says that Mormons can be visually spotted because of their horns – complete with pictures (more like illustrations). I figure I might as well get rid of most books because none of my kids are interested in them. Just departed from my “Journal of Discourses” set – a nephew wanted them. One question about your house – What is a bed doing in an open sitting room with no window coverings? When finished with the remodel I will provide pictures of our remodeled house. The Traveler

I believe there is ample reason to assume that the Abraham Accords are at risk under Biden. It appears to me that Biden has abandoned the Abraham Accords especially in getting Jordan and Saudia Arabia to join (both countries were very close to signing when Biden took office, and nothing has happened.) It is my opinion that the liberal wing of our government does not want to give Trump any credit for anything. The reason I believe this to be the case is because with the rise of the Ayatollah regime in Iran, Saudia Arabia (Sunni) has been at odds with Iran (Shia). In fact, since the Hamas Israel war Saudia Arabia has been left out to dry by the Biden Administration. Most likely because of the spat between Biden and the crown prince of Saudia Arabia. Biden has supported Iran with dropping sanctions and giving them access to funds held by the Trump Administration. There is no way that Iran would sign the Abraham Accords. So why give Iran political advantages in the Middle East? I do not believe there would currently be war in the Middle East if Biden is willing to press the Abraham Accords. I want you to think this through carefully and respond why you think Biden is supporting the Abraham Accords – especially in light of the stand he has taken in pressuring Israel and appearing to support the Anti-Semitic protesters (that are increasingly becoming more bolden). Do you realize that the Abraham Accords require the recognition if Israel and a sovereign country with Arab countries normalization of trade and diplomatic relationships. That the main reason Trump pushed the Accords is to oppose the state sponsored terrorism (primarily Iran) to prevent war and attacks on Israel. I am aware that the Biden Administration has given lip service – but everything I see the Biden Administration doing in opposition. Since congress ratified the Abraham Accords – Bidan cannot dismiss it with executive order but other than this roadblock of the law – I have yet to see the Biden Administration push forward in foreign affairs anything supporting the Abraham Accords. If you feel differently – I would very much like to know what I have missed. The Traveler

I am sorry I did not word that correctly – I meant support for the Abraham Accords that Donald Trump initiated. My concern is that as soon as some see the name of Donald Trump (or Biden) – they do not connect to anything else. The Traveler

In some ways I am glad to see a discussion. I am not impressed with our legal system. I personally object to calling the system our justice system because I do not believe at any level, justice is close to being served. As a general rule I have big problems with the politics of our country. I am not any more a republican than I am a democrat and believe both parties are more interested in political power than the good of this nation or its citizens. I have tried to be a good republican – I was raised to be a republican and at one point of my life prepared to run for political office. However, I did not get along with party leadership and ended up trying to be a democrat. As bad as republican leadership seemed to me – I believe that the democrat leadership is exponentially worse. I believe that the real problem for Trump (besides his having all the morals of a range bull) is his defiance towards this country’s military industrial complex. I believe that the greatest sin in our society is economic – to challenge the power brokers of this country’s control of money and the economy. This sin of money is greater than lying (even before a judge – including a FISA judge), adultery or paying off someone to keep adultery quiet or even murder (like David did with Uriah or Hillery with ambassador Christopher Stevens). I do not intend to upset anyone (too much) but it is my opinion that both @Phoenix_person and @Carborendum are missing seeing the forest because of all the trees. We should have learned from US history and the history of the LDS Church (or the treaties between the government and indigenous peoples) that powerful people in government do not need to follow the law to take what they want from who they want. Let me give a little example: I cannot believe that any citizen of the USA that cares about this country and the world would not support Donald Trump and his establishment of the Abraham Accords. Nor can I believe that any citizen of the USA that cares about this country and the world, would support Biden’s throwing out and abandoning the Abraham Accords. When was the last time anyone heard anything in the news about the Abraham Accords related to what is currently going on in the Middle East. The news is only interested in the goings on in the Donald and Hunter legal battles. The Traveler

As I understand Trump did not break the law with the NDI - nor any of the moving funds around (which is very common in the business world and during presidential campaigns – as per the example of Bernie Sanders that became a multi-millionaire running for president). The problem was in covering up everything that was done. Like Hillary using a private server for email, deleting the email and destroying the hard drive on her computer. What bothers me the most about all this with Hunter is the 50 (or whatever the number was) that signed a letter (used by Pres, Biden in the 2020 presidential debates) testifying or giving witness as government security officials, that the Hunter laptop was a fake planted by Russia to create disinformation to corrupt the election. I find it interesting that the federal justice department (from which many of those officials were employed) entered the laptop as evidence and the defense did not object with a reference to the signed letter from the bunch of government information experts – but there is no ramification or discipline towards those officials for falsely misleading the citizens during an election (I thought that was one of the main counts that Trump was found guilty of. I wonder if our politics are digging holes that this country will never be able to crawl out of. The Traveler

I was being sarcastic and attempting to point out why borders are important for a country. I would also contend that we have all policies and laws needed to open our borders for legal immigration (temporary or permanent) to fulfill all needs of any industry or enterprise. What I believe is broken with our border and immigration situation is more about not following the law or avoiding the law than enforcing the laws and working within the laws. This is why I am greatly concerned with a conclusive immigration policy – I want to know exactly what that would entail and why it cannot work the way things are currently defined by the law. Let me give a kind of example of how laws get screw up. A while back I read about two guys that got seriously injured while together, they each held a side of the mower in order to use the lawnmower to trim some hedges – and one slipped and lost their grip. Obviously, if the lawnmower had a deficiency that caused harm to the users – the company should be responsible. But a company should never be accountable for idiots that abuse the intent of things. But the lawsuit ruled in favor of the idiots because the manufacturer did not specifically communicate that their lawnmower should not be used in that manner. If anyone desires to bring laborers into our country – they are responsible for those workers and if they require medical attention those that employ such workers should be required to provide insurance. They are responsible for the duration of the visa. In my mind there is no reason to hold lower and middle-class taxpayers responsible for non-citizens’ health care (and other) needs. There is an element in our country to hide and keep secrets from citizens – especially taxpaying citizens concerning what is intended when laws are changed. As a side note – I believe it would be beneficial for youth in this country to enter (at entry levels) of labor in such a manner to allow children to learn to work without abusing them – otherwise they will grow up thinking that it is abusive to have to work. The Traveler

Thanks – I appreciate your contribution. I was born of goodly parents – actually 5 generations of exceptional parents. I grew up thinking every family was like mine. My parents would often refer to your picture but were adamant that it is not about where you came from, where you have been or even where you are – the only thing that is important and brings joy is the direction you are going. I was also taught to never draw a line between good and evil – the reason is that we tend to think all is well as long as we stay on the good side of the line. The great problem with that kind of thinking is that we tend to end up as close to the line as possible without crossing it. And yet, if we happen to cross that line by the slightest bit we realize that things do not change so much and are just as okay as before – thus we end up inadvertently redrawing our line between good and evil – moving towards evil. When we talk about such things, I become disappointed with the idea of perfect because it seems to me to be more about the destination than the journey. Rather I like to think good is the direction into the light and to travel in any other direction is evil. I attempt to employ this thinking when it comes to those struggling with dark things, weather it is the WOW, chastity, pride, LGBTQ+ or whatever – welcome to the path towards the light. Let us all work towards the light and take the next step together. The Traveler

Don't you mean 9/11 instead of the Mexican war? There is another problem with illegals. Lots of foreigners enter the USA legally through various visas and never renew, leave or notify anyone when the visas expire. According to a person I know well, that works in the medical business – that the vast majority of foreign individuals seeking medical attention that never pay (leaving it to those that pay to make up the difference) are foreign individuals with expired visas. The Traveler